Wednesday, November 21
Thanksgiving Eve
Join the spiritual community to break bread together in a Thanksgiving Communion Service. All ages. 7:30pm @ Unity by the Bay, Severna Park: 410/544-7990.
Thanksgiving Day
SMILE: It’s Free Thanksgiving Dinner!
Missing out on Thanksgiving because you’re alone or can’t afford it? Join plenty of folks who can relate at the Lighthouse Inn for a fabulous dinner w/all the trimmings. Rides and home deliveries at your service. Sponsored by SMILE, Inc. and the Inn. noon-3:30 @ the Inn, Solomons Island. free: 410/326-2444.
Turkey Chase 2001
Before dinner, bring the family to YMCA Camp Letts for the 2nd annual Turkey Chase. The 10k race and 5k walk cover scenic wooded trails thru the Smithsonian preserve and back. Free T-shirts and Thanksgiving-themed awards go to the top runners. Pony rides, magicians, hay rides and kids’ fun occupy the sedentary. Benefits Parole Rotary, YMCA Camp Letts and Salvation Army’s September 11th Disaster Relief Fund. 10k race starts 8:45am; 5k walk starts 8:50am @ YMCA Camp Letts, Edgewater. $18 w/discounts; rsvp: 866/963-6000.
Friday, November 23
Christmas on the Square
Ring in the holidays in classic small-town style at Leonardtown’s Christmas on the Square. Holiday spirit is nurtured by sleigh rides, hay rides, a petting zoo, live nativity, Christmas carols, pictures with Santa, the Festival of Trees, Santa’s parade and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. 5pm; parade & tree lighting 7pm @ town square, Leonardtown: 301/475-9791.
Heartwarming Holiday Tales at Homestead
Meet and greet Joe Wheeler, author of Christmas in My Heart, as he stops in to say hi at Homestead. 2-6pm @ Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville: 800/300-5631; www.homestead-gardens.com.
November 23 & 24
Give Ye Thanks the Olde Way
After enjoying the various excesses of a modern Thanksgiving, trek down to Historic St. Mary’s City for a look at how our Colonial forebears spent the end of harvest season. Giving Thanks: Hearth & Home in Early Maryland puts you in the middle of living history demos of 17th-century hearth cooking, pickling, drying and dairying. Join in by churning butter, shucking beans and grinding corn. 10-5 @ Godiah Spray Plantation, Historic St. Mary’s City. $7.50 w/discounts: 800/smc-1634; www.stmaryscity.org.
Greek Arts and Crafts Show
Browse Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church’s annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show for a unique holiday excursion. Sample Greek dishes & pastries, say hi to Santa, browse loads of lovely Greek holiday handicrafts and tour the church. 10-5 @ Ss. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Rd., Annapolis. $2: 410/573-2072.
November 23 - 25
Calvert Hospice’s Festival of Trees
Meander among troves of decked out pines at Calvert Hospice’s 13th annual Festival of Trees. Featured Christmas trees are the Hospice Memorial Tree and lush Poinsettia Tree. A trove of holiday gift shops includes Santa’s Secret Shop for kids. Meet Santa in two special meals (see Santa Sightings). Highlights: • Nov. 23: Service of remembrance for loved ones lost (5-6) • Nov. 23: Gala Festival Auction (7-10; $25/advance; $30 at door; rsvp). Benefits Calvert Hospice. 7-10 F; 9-9 Sa; 10-6 Su @ Patuxent High, Lusby. $4; $2/seniors; $1/kid: 410/535-0892.
Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees
Wander the Enchanted Woods, 100+ wondrously adorned Christmas trees, at Kennedy Krieger Institute’s 12th annual Christmas Festival of Trees. Also find live holiday entertainment, seasonal merchants, a model train display, kids’ crafts, a gingerbread house display, Christmas stockings, a magical carousel and, of course, Santa. 10-9 FSa; 10-6 Su @ Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium. $8/weekend w/discounts: 443/923-7300.
Saturday, November 24
Christmas Bazaar
Shop over 40 crafters plus bake tables. Santa and lunch on hand. Sponsored by the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. 9-3pm @ Stallings Williams Post, Chesapeake Beach: 301/855-6466.
Spend Less, Eat More
Forget navigating crowded malls; instead, sample Thanksgiving history at the Star Spangled Banner Flag House kitchen. Sue Latini, food historian, prepares traditional recipes, including fire-roasted turkey and pumpkin pie from scratch. Take home recipes adapted for modern kitchens. Noon-4 @ the House, Baltimore. $5 w/discounts: 410/837-1793.
Christkindlmarkt 2001
Step into an Old World Christmas at Washington Säengerbund’s Christkindlmarkt 2001. The same culture that gave us the Christmas tree offers German baked goods & drinks, crafts, gifts, carol sing-alongs and seasonal music by the Alpine Singers. Washington Säengerbund is a German singing society. Rain or shine. Noon-dusk @ German Orphan Home, Upper Marlboro. $: 202/310-4691.
November 24 & 25
Civil War Santa at Sea
Discover the different holiday traditions born during the Civil War and how mid-19th century sailors and civilians celebrated Christmas in a changing America when Civil War Santa visits the decks of USS Constellation. Noon-4 @ USS Constellation, Pier 1, Inner Harbor, Baltimore. $6.50 w/discounts: 410/539-1797.
Sunday, November 25
Old Cold Turkey 10k
Put your best foot forward toward the goal of shedding Thanksgiving’s pounds in Annapolis Striders’ Old Cold Turkey 10k, a rolling, looped course thru scenic countryside. Racers are handicapped by age and gender, set by the World Association of Veteran Athletes. Awards go to the 1st 10 men and women finishers. Register 6:45-7:30am; race 8am @ South River Middle, Edgewater. $5 w/member & advance discounts: 410/626-8965; www.annapolisstriders.org.
Interactive Messiah
Sing along to your favorite selections of Handel’s classic Messiah. Vocal quartet, string and harpsichord accompaniments will cover any notes you can’t reach. If you like, bring an appetizer or dessert for the candlelight reception afterwards. 4pm @ St. James Church, Lothian. Free: 410/956-4114.
Monday, November 26
Holiday House Decor Contest
Sign up by today to jazz up your facade in twinkling lights in competition for bragging rights in Southern Community Center’s Holiday House Decor Contest on Dec. 10. Open to residents of Broomes Island, Dowell, Lusby, Port Republic, Solomons and St. Leonard. Plaques are awarded for creativity and originality. $7: 410/586-1101.
Wednesday, November 28
Holiday Greens Brunch
Start the day learning how to make fresh evergreen centerpieces, topping off the morning w/brunch. 9-noon @ Calvert County Cultural Arts Council office, Prince Frederick. $25 w/discounts; rsvp: 410/257-7005.
November 30 & December 1
Holiday Bazaar
Shop Annapolis Senior Center’s Holiday Bazaar for baked treats, afghans, crafts, decorations and knic knacks plus morning Santa visits (10am). 9:30-2 F; 8:30-1 Sa @ Annapolis Senior Center: 410/222-1818.
Saturday, December 1
Jaycees Deck Annapolis
Help the Annapolis Jaycees spread holiday cheer thru Annapolis at this year’s Hanging of the Greens w/greenery, bows, wreaths and lights. Entertainment comes in the form of local musicians. Santa arrives at City Dock midday. 8am-dusk @ downtown Annapolis: 410/974-9278.
Southern High Holiday Bazaar
Shop up a storm at Southern High’s Holiday Bazaar. 9-2 @ Southern High, Harwood: 410/867-7100.
Gathering the Greens 2001
Nearly everything you need to gild your home for Christmas — including fresh-cut Christmas trees, poinsettias, fresh greens, wreaths and garlands — are at Providence Center’s Gathering of the Greens. Also find handmade woodworks & pottery, fresh-baked treats and art on exhibit & for sale by the Providence Art Institute to benefit the Center, which works w/developmentally disabled adults. 9–2 @ Providence Center, 370 Shore Acres Rd., Arnold: 410/315-8303.
Chesapeake Christian Crafts
Buy or browse at Chesapeake Christian School’s annual Craft Fair. 9-3 @ the School, Lothian. Free: 410/867-8210.
Gingerbread House Workshop I
Keep little hands busy (and happy) at the Calvert Library’s annual Gingerbread House Workshop. Bring a bag of candy to share in the decorations of candy-covered houses built of graham crackers. Happens again Dec. 8. Two locations: 10-11am @ Prince Frederick Library; rsvp: 410/535-0291 • 2-3pm @ Southern Branch, Lusby; rsvp: 410/326-5289.
Create Colonial Swags
Create a decorative door swag inspired by Colonial Williamsburg. Use magnolia, boxwood, greens, and various berries and fruit. 10-noon @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn. $30: rsvp: 410/551-2237.
Holiday Massage
Escape holiday stress, even if momentarily. Attend the Holiday Open House of Inner Peace Massage Therapy. Free seated massage plus drawings for gift certificates. 10-2 @ Inner Peace, Prince Frederick: 410/414-5266.
Whistle While They Work
Whistle, sing, play games — your kids will have a jolly good time making handmade gifts for the holidays at the Gift Making Workshop. Refreshments, too. Ages 7-12. 11-2 @ Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach. $15 (includes all materials); rsvp: 410/257-2554.
Trinity UMC Winter Festival
Divide your time between shopping and feasting at Trinity UMC’s Winter Festival. Fill up on a ham and oyster dinner plus cross off Christmas lists w/a country store, bake shop, thrift shop, antiques shop and the Kids’ Secret Shop. Carry out, too. 11-6pm @ Trinity UMC, Prince Frederick. $15; $7.50/kids: 410/535-1782.
Moonlight on Main Street
Start a new holiday tradition-appreciating art during Main Street’s festive holiday exhibition. Featuring new works by local artists including, clay jewelry, terra cotta tile/mosaic, mixed media, sculpture and more. 11-5pm W-Su @ the Gallery, Prince Frederick. free: 410/535-3334.
Chesapeake Garden Club’s Greens Show and Sale
Imagine the wonderful fragrance of pine as you decorate your home w/holiday greens like boxwood kissing balls and pine garlands and wreaths from the Chesapeake Garden Club’s Christmas Greens Show and Sale. Also find handmade crafts, holiday foods and greens kits to create your own living decorations. Includes lunch, lecture, demo and take-home greens decoration by Vicki Trego, a master floral arts arranger. 11:30am @ All Saint’s Church parish hall, Sunderland. $12; $10/advance: 410/535-0896.
Snyder Talks Golden Ring
Warm up to Christmas early as author John Snyder discusses & signs The Golden Ring. Just before the Christmas of 1918, nine-year-old Anna and father Joseph, a B&O engineer, share a series of dreams that brings them together for the holiday. He visits Bowie again Dec. 12 & 23. 1pm @ Borders, Bowie: 301/352-5560.
Family Festival
Discover the varied cultural traditions of Thanksgiving, New Year’s, Hanukkah, Twelfth Night, Kwanzaa and Christmas from past and present at Maryland Historical Society’s Family Festival. Play holiday games in the historic Enoch Pratt House, replicate a toy or ornament from the Maryland Historical Society collection, make a 19th century present and more. 1-4pm @ Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore. $5/person; $4/members; rsvp: 410/685-3750 x321; www.mdhs.org.
Sing with Washington Chamber Symphony
Sing your favorite holiday songs with a chorus of 300, a full symphony orchestra and more at Washington Chamber Symphony’s Holiday Sing-Along. 2pm @ Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC. Ages 4+. $12-$37.50; rsvp: 800/444-1324; www.kennedy-center.org.
Evergreen Wreaths
Dec. 1–Use a variety of evergreen boughs and berries from Willow Oak gardens to weave a festive fresh 18"-20" wreath during the Evergreen Wreath Workshop. 2-4pm @ Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn. $20; rsvp: 410/551-2237.
Gratifying Gala
Dress up for a black-tie evening of fine dining and dancing, all supporting worthy causes at the 38th annual Holly Ball. Also put your bid on a variety of desirables at silent auction, including dinners, overnight stays and jewelry. Sponsored by Severn Town Club to benefit Hospice of the Chesapeake and Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Complementary photos by Buxton Photography of Severna Park at 6pm; auction and cocktails 6:30; dinner 8; dancing to the music of Crabtowne Big Band 9-midnight @ Sheraton Barcelo Hotel, Annapolis. $125; rsvp: 410/544-0121.
Christmas on the Beach
Cozy up to a beach bonfire, divulge your wishes atop Santa’s lap and sing carols w/Bayside Baptist Church Choir at North Beach’s Christmas on the Beach. Tide yourself over for the lighting of the town’s 18-foot Douglas fir Christmas tree w/roasted hot dogs, marshmallows and hot cider. Shoppers can stroll the downtown shops for the Christmas Antiques Festival (10-5). 3:30-5:30 @ North Beach. Free: 410/257-9618.
Colonial Christmas at Long’s House
Warm your insides w/mulled cider, admire holiday decorations from the 18th century and browse colonial gifts and juried 18th century crafts at the Robert Long House, c. 1765. 4-7pm @ Fell’s Point Visitor Center, Baltimore. $5 contribution requested: 410/675-6750.
Skate with Santa
Strap on skates and round the rink with good old St. Nick in Diane Herbert Dance Studio’s Skate with Santa. Enjoy 3 hours of skating plus a show by the studio’s students and a pizza dinner (drinks for sale). 4:30-7:30pm @ Calvert Roller Skating Center, Owings. $8 + skate rental: 410/257-3127.
Pets Pictured with Santa Claws I
Bring in your furry, finned or feathered best friends for photos on the lap of Santa Claws. Benefits spca of Anne Arundel County. 11-5 @ PetSmart, Annapolis. $: 410/268-5285.
The Bells! The Bells!
Set your ears a-ringing as the handbell ensemble sounds holiday favorites at the Anne Arundel County Holiday Handbell Festival. 5pm @ St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Rd., Annapolis: 410/263-4723.
Gourmet Madrigal Merriment
Renaissance rhythms rouse the Christmas spirit as the choral group Eclatant makes merry with madrigals whilst you dine on seasonal delights. The harmonious celebration promises great food, great music and hearty laughter. 5:30pm @ cafeteria, Calvert High, Prince Frederick. $8; rsvp: 410/535-7351.
December 1 & 2
Shop Christmas Past in Calvert’s Antique Festival
Satisfy your craving for antique hunting and find one-of-a-kind gifts as Calvert’s dealers band together for the county-wide Christmas Antique Festival. Discover deals on fine antiques and unique gifts from North Beach to Solomons Island as a trove of shops host one big open house, offering up storewide discounts, refreshments and door prizes at each stop. Maps at all shops. 10-5 @ shops thruout Calvert: 410/326-3366 x3.
Sotterley Celebrates an Old-Fashioned Christmas
Tour the exquisitely decorated manor house and grounds of Historic Sotterley Plantation at its Old-Fashioned Christmas, a weekend of live music by St. Maries Musica, visits w/St. Nick, holiday treats, warm cider, Christmas shopping, horse-drawn hay rides, kids’ crafts and a holiday hunt thru the winter gardens. Also step into the decorated slave cabin for the interpretive Christmas in the Quarters presentation (c. 1800). 11-4 @ Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood. $7; kids under 12 free: 800/681-0850; www.sotterley.com.
Benson-Hammond’s Candlelight Christmas
Roam historic Benson-Hammond House, an early 18th-century farmhouse and headquarters for Anne Arundel County Historical Society, at the Candlelight Christmas Open House. Costumed docents guide the way amid period holiday decorations, Christmas music and the house’s doll collection. 3-7pm @ Benson-Hammond House, Aviation Blvd. & Landover Rd., Linthicum. Free: 410/766-4239.
Sunday, December 2
Christmas Go Bragh
Color your Christmas green in a concert of traditional Celtic Christmas music, carols, wassails and songs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Galicia, Isle of Man and America. Maggie Sansone and ensemble Ceoltoiri are joined at one point by the Christ Church Hand Bell Choir. Holiday refreshments are served after the concert. 7pm @ Christ Church, West River. $10; $5/kids: 410/867-0346.
Annapolis Toy Soldier Show
Ranks upon ranks of miniature soldiers stand ready for inspection at the 16th annual Annapolis Christmas Toy Soldier Show. Reconnoiter 100+ tables of traditional toys as dealers come from across the country to show off their collections of old and new metal, plastic and composite creations. Also find an assortment of books, boats and military collectibles. 9-3 @ Loews Annapolis Hotel, 126 West St. $5; kids under 12 free: 410/643-5358.
Heartwarming Holiday Tales at Homestead
Meet and greet John Snyder, author of the holiday story The Golden Ring, as he stops in to say hi at Homestead.1-4pm @ Homestead Gardens, Davidsonville: 800/300-5631; www.homestead-gardens.com.
Recreate Retrospective Repasts
Create one of the splendid repasts popular in bygone eras in Anne Arundel Community College’s non-credit class, The Christmas Feast – Bacchus Revisited (GRT 325). Discover how simple preparations can turn dishes into a gourmet meal. Noon-5 @ Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $56; rsvp: 410/777-2325.
London Town’s Colonial Christmas
Follow docents thru the decked halls of William Brown House. See Colonial holiday decorations and hear about life in Colonial London Town during the holiday season. A second tour makes the rounds Dec. 8. Noon-3 @ Historic London Town & Gardens, Edgewater. $5; $3/kids 7-12; free w/canned good donation from 10-3 Dec. 26-30: 410/222-1919.
Calvert County Christmas Parade
School bands, fanciful floats, customized cars, vintage autos, Santa Claus and others make a merry ruckus thru Fox Run Shopping Center in Calvert’s 28th annual Christmas Parade. Pick a spot along the main drag of Fox Run shopping center. Rain date Dec. 9. Line up at K Mart 1pm; parade 2pm @ Fox Run Shopping Center, Prince Frederick: 410/535-0026.
Christmas at Chesapeake Beach Railway
The halls are decked for Christmas as the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum lets all aboard for its Christmas Open House potluck. Bring a light dish or goodies to share among seasonally brightened railroad memorabilia. If weather permits, the Southern Maryland Model A Club drive up in restored antique cars. 1-4pm @ Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, at Rod ‘n’ Reel: 410/257-3892.
Sundays of Note
Spend this Sunday w/local group Kindred Spirits, a unique concert of instrumentals, vocals, storytelling and drama. Also, bring a household item to donate to Project echo. 2pm @ Calvert Pines Senior Center, Prince Frederick. $6 w/out donation; rsvp: 410/257-7005.
Music for Reflection
Favorite holiday songs mingle w/rousing patriotic music in Anne Arundel Community College Concert Band’s Music for Reflection performance. The warm-up act is local quintet Incidental Brass, playing holiday tunes and ragtime (2:30pm). 3pm @ Pascal Center, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold. $5 w/discounts: 410/777-7019.
Tree of Lights
Hospice of the Chesapeake’s Tree of Lights, commemorating the memories of lost loved ones, is set aglow for the holiday season at a special lighting ceremony. The lighting of the tree is followed by brief meditation and music. For $25 you can reserve a light on the tree plus a dove bearing a loved one’s name and a personalized china star ornament. Benefits Chesapeake Hospice. Ceremony 5pm; free to see thru the season @ Our Lady of the Chesapeake, Pasadena: 410/987-2129.
Arundel Vocal Arts Sings the Season
Arundel Vocal Arts lifts Christmas spirits with a performance of seasonal favorites in their Holiday Concert. 3pm @ St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Rd., Annapolis. $15: 410/263-4723.
Monday, December 3
Naval Academy’s Women Sing
Naval Academy’s Women’s Glee Club welcomes Christmas in a concert that’s become an annual favorite. 7:30pm @ Bancroft Hall, Annapolis. $16-27; rsvp: 410/293-tixs; www.tickets.com.
Christmas Floriculture College
Create 6 holiday designs to decorate doors or use as centerpieces in Arundel Community College’s non-credit class, Floriculture: Christmas Floral Arrangements (OCU 326). Bring a lunch, scissors, wire cutters and a sharp pocketknife. 9-3:30 @ Glen Burnie Town Center. $65; rsvp: 410/777-2325.
